Devon Rex and Cornish Rex: skin care and preventing dermatitis
The Devon Rex and Cornish Rex have a short, curly coat with poor insulating properties that lets sebum build up directly on the skin's surface rather than being absorbed along the hair shaft as in a normal-coated cat. That quirk calls for more attentive care than average. All our pointers are in the cat care and grooming section, on the cat page.
Why are these breeds prone to skin problems?
A study by Åhman, Perrins and Bond, published in 2007 in Veterinary Dermatology, evaluated itraconazole treatment for seborrhoeic dermatitis associated with the yeast Malassezia pachydermatis in Devon Rex cats, confirming a marked predisposition of this breed to this type of skin condition (study on Google Scholar). The Cornish Rex, despite an equally short, curly coat, appears less affected by this heavy yeast overgrowth than the Devon Rex, according to later clinical guidelines on Malassezia dermatitis in dogs and cats.
What care limits excess sebum?
Regular wiping with a soft, slightly damp cloth, especially at the base of the ears, around the neck and between the paw pads, removes excess sebum before it builds up and becomes a breeding ground for yeast. An occasional bath with a mild cat shampoo, never a human product, rounds out this care without irritating already sensitive skin.
What signs should raise concern?
- An unusual, often rancid smell from the coat or ears
- Waxy, blackish deposits at the base of the ears or between the toes
- Repeated scratching or localized excessive licking
- Skin that feels oily to the touch shortly after cleaning
These signs warrant a vet visit: an appropriate antifungal treatment, like the one studied in Devon Rex cats, is often needed to keep yeast overgrowth under control long-term, since more frequent wiping alone usually isn't enough.
Should the grooming tool be adapted too?
The very short coat of these breeds doesn't tolerate a classic pin brush well, which suits a denser coat better: a soft rubber glove or a wipe is usually enough, following the same gradual approach described in our guide to stress-free grooming.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Cornish Rex need the same care as the Devon Rex?
Regular care still helps, but the Cornish Rex appears less prone to heavy Malassezia overgrowth than the Devon Rex according to available clinical data.
Can human shampoo work in a pinch?
No: human skin pH differs from a cat's, and an unsuitable shampoo can make irritation worse.
How often should a Devon Rex's skin be wiped down?
Once or twice a week is usually enough for routine care, adjusted to each individual cat's sebum production.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Cats universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.